You might have heard about Kubernetes. In tech circles, it’s hailed as the best solution for scaling and automating applications. But if you’re new to this technology, you might not know how it works and how to utilize it.
At its core, Kubernetes is a tool that helps you keep web applications (such as websites or apps) running smoothly and loading fast, even under massive amounts of traffic. If you have a website, using a hosting provider that leverages Kubernetes can provide you with all its benefits.
In this article, we’ll provide a clear explanation of Kubernetes and its core concepts. We’ll also talk about the benefits of Kubernetes and who should use it. Finally, we’ll show you how you can still leverage Kubernetes, especially for autoscaling, even if you have zero technical background. Let’s get to it!
What Is Kubernetes?
Think of Kubernetes as a system for managing containerized applications at scale. What does that mean? Modern applications are often packaged into “containers”—lightweight packages that include everything needed to run a piece of software. Kubernetes runs these containers, ensuring they have the resources they need and can automatically adjust their numbers based on demand.
These containers are organized into different levels that Kubernetes manages: pods (which hold one or more containers), nodes (the machines running these pods), and clusters (groups of nodes working together).
Image credit: Kubernetes.io
We’ll explain each of these terms in detail shortly. For now, let’s focus on what makes Kubernetes so unique.
In a nutshell, Kubernetes can automatically launch (or “deploy” in tech-speak) your containerized applications and manage them efficiently.
For example, if your online store begins to experience a surge in traffic, Kubernetes can automatically create additional copies of your application to handle the increased load. Then, when traffic subsides, it can scale back by removing the unnecessary copies, ensuring you’re not paying for resources you no longer need. All of this is automated.
Kubernetes, sometimes referred to as K8s, was originally developed by Google based on their internal system known as Borg.
Google later made it open-source, allowing anyone to use and enhance it. Today, Kubernetes operates on all major cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS).
While Kubernetes used to be a tool only big tech companies could handle, Cloudways Autonomous for WordPress has made this powerful technology accessible to small and medium businesses – no engineering team required!
What Are the Core Concepts of Kubernetes?
To understand how Kubernetes works and why techies go crazy for it, you’ll need to understand its core concepts. Let’s have a close look at them.
1. Containers
Think of containers as packages that hold everything your application needs to run—code, dependencies, and settings—bundled together. Unlike full virtual machines, containers are lightweight and share core system resources, making them quick to start and efficient to run.
You can imagine these containers as perfectly packed suitcases, each containing everything your website needs to function. You can even share these containers across devices and still replicate the website exactly as intended.
Tech enthusiasts love containers because they simplify the development process. You can easily share versions of applications among teams, with everything needed to run them included.
A single computer can run multiple instances of the same application. Kubernetes helps these containers work together, coordinating their activities seamlessly.
2. Pods
Pods are the smallest units that Kubernetes can deploy. A pod can host one container or more, depending on the system resources that it has. All the containers in a pod share its memory, storage, processing power, and even an IP address (how you identify computers online).
Pods are like servers. However, they’re virtual servers and they’re designed to be easy to replace in case one of them goes down. That can happen if they run into an error, a cyber attack, or even just too much traffic.
Kubernetes automatically replaces pods that go down and launches more pods if your website needs additional resources. Containers carry your website data and files, and pods host these containers and connect them.
If, at any time, your website needs fewer pods to operate well, Kubernetes takes care of it. It disposes of the pods it no longer needs, so you’re not using more resources than what is necessary.
3. Nodes
So far, we’ve talked about containers and pods, which are all virtual. Nodes are the physical or virtual machines that provide the resources for pods to run.
To put that into context, you can have a physical server acting as a Kubernetes node. It could also connect to other nodes, hosted on cloud services, all helping power the same applications.
Typically, a website that gets a lot of traffic will be hosted across several nodes. More nodes means Kubernetes will be able to scale an application more efficiently.
4. Clusters
Multiple connected nodes make up a cluster. So a cluster is a network of physical and/or virtual computers, all working together to run an application, like a website.
Each cluster has what we call a control plane, which can be spread across multiple computers for reliability. Think of the control plane as the brain of the operation – it helps coordinate all the activities in the cluster, decides where to allocate resources, and ensures everything is running smoothly.
Clusters are only as scalable as the nodes they have available. However, when properly configured, Kubernetes can work with your cloud provider to automatically add or remove nodes based on your application’s needs. This means your website can handle more traffic when needed, and save costs when traffic is lower.
With the right configuration, Kubernetes can handle all of that process automatically.
Why Use Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is popular among tech professionals because it offers an efficient solution to scaling. Its core concepts can be a lot to process, but with the proper setup, Kubernetes can basically take care of scaling your website’s resources automatically.
Without solutions like Kubernetes, that would be a tough task. If your WooCommerce store starts getting a lot of traffic with a regular web host, you pretty much have to upgrade your plan. In some cases, you can end up overpaying for hosting because you don’t need those additional resources all the time.
Kubernetes helps ensure that your website always has access to the resources it needs to offer a great user experience. It also adjusts those resources so you don’t end up with containers and pods that are not needed at the moment.
It’s important to note that Kubernetes can do this at truly massive scales. Companies like Booking.com, Adidas, Huawei, IBA, and Spotify all leverage Kubernetes in one way or another. It’s the most popular solution for coordinating work between containers (which we call orchestrating) and for scaling web applications.
Although Kubernetes is a staple for enterprise-level websites, you can use it at any level. Let’s talk about when it makes sense to implement Kubernetes.
Who Should Use Kubernetes?
The reason why most people don’t use Kubernetes for their websites is that it’s a complex technology. Using Kubernetes is not designed to be easy. If you’re a non-tech person, it can be a non-starter.
Having said that, you can leverage Kubernetes for your website or online business if you use a hosting solution that implements the technology for you.
In most cases, Kubernetes is reserved for complex applications and services. Booking.com uses it as a part of its online portal. Over 500 million people have used Booking.com in 2024 alone, so you get an idea of the level of traffic and growth that Kubernetes supports.
If you’re running a WooCommerce store and you want to provide the best possible user experience, Kubernetes can help you. A Kubernetes solution can help your store offer optimal performance at a reasonable cost.
How Cloudways Autonomous Makes Kubernetes Simple
Cloudways Autonomous is a fully-managed WordPress hosting built on top of Kubernetes. This means we take care of managing all the containers, pods, nodes, and clusters so you only have to worry about your business.
You name your app, choose a region and hit “Launch” to deploy your website on a self-scaling optimized infrastructure.
Cloudways Autonomous offers managed WooCommerce and WordPress hosting that’s fully auto-scalable. Our plans offer high availability (which means your website is always up and running) at reasonable prices:
With Cloudways Autonomous, you get Kubernetes-backed managed WordPress hosting plans, with fixed pricing. If your website needs scaling outside of that plan, you’ll automatically get the resources you need to support your growing business.
Conclusion
Kubernetes is an amazing platform for fast-growing websites. While it can be difficult to use, it doesn’t mean you can’t leverage it for your business. With the right setup, you can enjoy all the benefits of Kubernetes with none of the complexity.
Cloudways Autonomous offers managed WordPress and WooCommerce plans powered with Kubernetes. We’ll configure the platform for you so it can deliver the best possible experience for your website. It’s also fully auto-scalable, offers great performance for WooCommerce stores, and you’ll get access to expert support.
If you’re ready to start using Kubernetes to improve your online presence, check out our Cloudways Autonomous plans!
Sandhya Goswami
Sandhya is a contributing author at Cloudways, specializing in content promotion and performance analysis. With a strong analytical approach and a keen ability to leverage data-driven insights, Sandhya excels in measuring the success of organic marketing initiatives.
